Judges 13-16

Read Judges 13-16 

Helpful Background Information: 

• Judges 13–16 tells the story of the judge Samson. Before Samson was born, the angel of the LORD appeared to his parents and announced that he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Samson was set apart as a Nazirite from birth, which meant his life was supposed to be marked by special devotion to God that would make his life look different from the “average” person. He was not to drink wine, touch dead bodies, or cut his hair. Contrary to how many have mistakenly understood this story, Samson’s strength was not really in his hair by itself. His strength came from the Lord, and his uncut hair was a visible sign of his calling and consecration to God.

• But Samson’s life is full of contradiction. He is set apart for God, but he is often ruled by his own desires. He has incredible strength, but very little self-control. He defeats Philistines, but he also makes foolish choices with women, anger, revenge, and pride. Samson’s story shows both the mercy of God and the danger of wasted calling. God still uses Samson to begin delivering Israel, but Samson’s sin makes his life much more difficult than it needed to be. His final prayer shows a man brought low, finally recognizing his need for God’s strength again.

Reflection Questions: 

• Where do you see Samson being led by his desires instead of by obedience to God? Do you see any of those tendencies in your own life? Where? 

• Delilah’s betrayal led to Samson’s downfall, but Samson also ignored many warning signs. What warning signs do people often ignore before they fall into sin?

• How can the ark of Samson's life ( giftedness, wasted potential, humbling, and repentance) be applied to your life? What mistakes can it prevent you from making? What changes does it call you to make?